Government assisted phones are devices that the government offers to needy people. The initiative is organized to assist low-income families and people who can’t afford basic phone service. It’s a great way to get a smartphone if you qualify for one. If you don’t comprehend what I’m talking about, then continue reading!
The government pays the phone costs, it allows people to access communication without spending money on a phone. Some of the most prominent government-assisted phone giveaway programs in the USA are – Lifeline, TANF, EBB, etc.
Moreover, you can also get free phones with medical coverage from government subsidies like Medicaid, and Medicare. In the following content, I’ll discuss the basics of government assisted phones.
Furthermore, I’ll talk about the qualification criteria, requirements, and application procedures to help you get a free government phone. So stay tuned!
What Are Government Assisted Phones – The Basics
Government-assisted phones are a program that helps low-income families in the United States access cell phone service. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the program in 1996, and the Universal Service Fund (USF) funds contributions from telecommunications companies.
The USF is a fee paid by consumers for their telephone service, which is then used to fund programs like this one. The goal of government-assisted phones is to provide affordable telecommunications services to people who have no other way of getting them.
Typically, these people live in rural areas or have limited income and resources. They may be elderly or disabled or have children who are unable to afford their cell phone plans. For someone to qualify for government assistance cell phone with their cellular service, they must meet certain criteria set by the FCC:
- Their age needs to be a minimum of 18 years;
- They must live in an area where there are no other providers offering coverage; 3)
- Their household income must fall within certain limits set by state law.
- Their household must not be served by another subsidized telecommunications program such as Lifeline.
Government assisted phones are free or low-cost smartphones that are available to people who qualify for government assistance. The best part is, they’re a great way to get a smartphone! Government assisted smartphones are phones that are provided at low or no cost to eligible households.
Government assisted phones can be used anywhere in Canada and the USA—and numerous countries across the globe. They’re especially helpful if you’re looking for something small and easy to use, but want something more than just an old flip phone (which may still be available).
How Do Government Assisted Phone Programs Work?
Aside from all other government programs, Lifeline is one of the most prominent ones to get government assistance phones. Let’s discuss how the Lifeline government phone program works!
Based on household income and standard of living, the Lifeline program provides savings on phone or broadband service. As long as they fulfill specific income standards, it is accessible to qualifying low-income monthly users in every county, state, territory, and tribal area in the United States.
Only one internet or phone service is permitted per family, and family income must be below 135% of the poverty threshold limit. The monthly savings for phone service is typically 9.25 dollars.
After applying, consumers must be approved before selecting and enrolling with a phone or internet provider that provides the benefit. On Lifeline-supported devices, businesses must adhere to particular standards, including the range of usage minutes permitted for specific mobile and residential Broadband speeds, and the availability of a hotspot-enabled device.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which also oversees several other public grants, covering maintenance, data gathering, and reimbursements for lower-income schemes, is responsible for managing the Lifeline program on a governmental level.
How To Qualify For A Government Assisted Phone
Firstly, if you are now enrolled in a government assistance program, you may be eligible for a free government phone. To get free government smartphones, you have to meet these subsequent prerequisites:
You must be an American citizen or permanent resident in good standing. Your household earnings need to be at or under 135% of the national deprivation level.
The FPL varies by state, but in general, it’s $20,400 for one person and $30,750 for a family of four.
Your state will require you to provide proof that you meet these criteria before they’ll issue your subsidized phone plan.
You should also inspect with your regional department of corrections or county welfare office to find out what documentation is required for eligibility.
You have to sign up for one of the following programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Your household can’t have more than 2,000 dollars in assets and no more than 3,000 dollars in annual income.
If you want a free welfare phone, for instance, and you are the only person who lives in your house, you’ll need to demonstrate that your yearly salary is less than $12,760. Each extra person raises your limit by an additional $4,480, making it easier for you to qualify for a government-subsidized cell phone as well as a low-cost cellular phone plan as your family grows.
If you qualify, government assisted phone plans are a great way to get a smartphone. Government assisted phones are available in many countries, and they’re a great option for those that qualify. You need to be at least 18 years old and live in Ireland or Northern Ireland (NI).
You also have to be able to prove income levels that meet certain criteria needed before the phone can be purchased. These requirements vary depending on where you live; however, most places require proof of employment or financial stability before offering these devices.
How Can I Apply For Free Government Phones?
You must present pay stubs, a W-2 form, or a certification from the government agency you are enrolled with in order to prove your family’s income. Thankfully, signing up for free phone service is a rather straightforward process.
To participate, all you have to do is go to the site of a participating cell phone company. For instance, Assurance Wireless’ website prominently displays a sizable “Apply Now” button.
You simply need to visit their webpage and follow the step-based guidance. Thus, you will know if you are eligible for a smartphone and a cellular plan under their cellular service.
Top 5 Free Government Assisted Phone Providers
Now that you are familiar with the basics of the free government assisted phone plans, it is time to examine the details of individual plans and the providers. Here, I’ll take a quick glimpse at the 5 best providers of free government cell phones.
1. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless offers qualifying customers the choice of receiving service for free or at a reduced fee. StandUp Wireless has been authorized by the Federal Communication Commission and is legal in 29 states. StandUp Wireless offers free calls, texts, and 4.5 GB of data to qualified Lifeline members.
A free phone is occasionally given to customers who sign up for Lifeline. If you don’t already own a Lifeline-compatible phone, StandUp has phones you may buy for a fair price once you’ve created a Standup Wireless account and been accepted for the program. There isn’t a giveaway offer, however.
2. SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a government-funded cell phone service that provides free cell phones and free minutes to eligible people in the US. SafeLink Wireless is a program of Lifeline Assistance, which means that you can get your phone and minutes through SafeLink without qualifying for other programs like food stamps.
They are one of the biggest cell phone service providers in the USA, serving over 1.5 million users. It is a government-financed initiative that provides free cell phones and services to qualified low-income families. They offer both prepaid and postpaid options, but for the former, you must have an existing landline to qualify.
3. Entouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a provider of mobile phone service that offers both postpaid and prepaid plans. The company was founded in 2004, and it offers service in 25 states across the U.S. It’s not a typical carrier, though.
EnTouch uses the networks of other carriers, but it has its own infrastructure and owns its towers. Their plans include unlimited talk and text for $35 per month, along with a number of other options for both individuals and families.
4. Q Link Wireless
Q-Link Wireless is a cell phone service provider that offers unrestricted talk, text, and data plans. Its plan options include the Unlimited Family Plan for $50/month for two lines and the Unlimited Individual Plan for $40/month for one line.
Q-Link Wireless also offers a free trial of its service. It is an MVNO that offers wireless data plans. You can use their service with any unlocked phone or device that supports either 3G or 4G LTE connectivity.
5. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline-supported program that provides free cell phones and services to eligible residents. The program was created by Assurance Wireless, a company owned by TracFone.
They offer two plans for its customers: one for talk only, and another for talk, text, and data. Both plans come with unlimited nationwide calls and texts, but the data option allows you to use up to 1 GB of data per month before it gets shut off.
Conclusion
If you’re old enough to be on disability, and you want a smartphone, then getting government assisted phones is a great way to go. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about having access to technology that helps with your day-to-day life and staying connected with friends and family members.